EP4239816A1 - High-voltage electrical connector for space technology - Google Patents
High-voltage electrical connector for space technology Download PDFInfo
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- EP4239816A1 EP4239816A1 EP23159325.2A EP23159325A EP4239816A1 EP 4239816 A1 EP4239816 A1 EP 4239816A1 EP 23159325 A EP23159325 A EP 23159325A EP 4239816 A1 EP4239816 A1 EP 4239816A1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- female
- male
- structured region
- electrical contact
- connector
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Images
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/53—Bases or cases for heavy duty; Bases or cases for high voltage with means for preventing corona or arcing
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
- H01R13/533—Bases, cases made for use in extreme conditions, e.g. high temperature, radiation, vibration, corrosive environment, pressure
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
- H01R12/72—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures
- H01R12/722—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures coupling devices mounted on the edge of the printed circuits
- H01R12/724—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures coupling with the edge of the rigid printed circuits or like structures coupling devices mounted on the edge of the printed circuits containing contact members forming a right angle
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/02—Contact members
- H01R13/03—Contact members characterised by the material, e.g. plating, or coating materials
- H01R13/035—Plated dielectric material
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/64—Means for preventing incorrect coupling
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
- H01R24/38—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R2101/00—One pole
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of high voltage electrical connectors and more particularly to the field of high voltage electrical connectors for the space field.
- high voltage electrical connectors are known to those skilled in the art.
- high voltage electrical connectors is meant here and in the rest of the application connectors that can operate at a voltage greater than 5 kV. It is known to produce a high voltage connector via a direct wire connection comprising soldering of the wires in the high voltage modules and an overmolding of this module in order to produce the electrical insulation.
- the current solution is intrinsically limited and poses many problems in terms of logistics and means of production.
- the supply of more than two TWTs is particularly critical for the production of satellites comprising an active antenna which advantageously comprise a very large number of TWTs, thus creating significant complexity in the high voltage connections.
- high voltage electrical connectors are known to those skilled in the art. These connectors are designed to operate over a certain range of altitudes (from sea level to often 33,000 feet or 10,000m) i.e. for a predetermined pressure range. Typically, aeronautical connectors are sealed, for example by means of gaskets around the electrical contact, in order to keep the air trapped between the electrical contacts at atmospheric pressure.
- this type of connector is not necessarily designed to operate for a very long life (15 years or more) as is necessary in the space sector. Indeed, in aeronautics, they will be subject to a maintenance plan leading to their upkeep or replacement. The use of a seal raises many questions about the behavior of the connector during its inevitable degassing during a very long period of use. Indeed, hermeticity is not perfect and necessarily includes a micro leak which will change the internal pressure of the connector.
- an object of the invention is a high-voltage electrical connector for the space domain comprising a male portion and a female portion intended to make an electrical contact.
- the connector of the invention is ventilated and has the advantage of making it possible to easily separate the male portion and the female portion.
- ventilation it is meant here and in the rest of the description that the connector is capable of being pumped so as to reach a high vacuum (pressure less than 10 -6 mbar) or less, particularly in its electrical contact region.
- the leakage duct constitutes the sole means of air circulation between the female structured region and the male structured region as far as the outside of said connector.
- a portion of the leakage duct in which the electrical contact is arranged extends in the direction x, so that said portion is substantially perpendicular to the field lines associated with said contact electric.
- a thickness of the leakage duct is sufficiently small so that there is no electrical breakdown in the air at a pressure of 1 Pa within the leakage duct
- the male structured region is adapted so that a so-called male creepage line between the electrical contact and the male outer shell, passing through a surface of the leakage duct included in the dielectric block male, has a length greater than a predetermined dielectric breakdown distance and associated with said predetermined voltage, at atmospheric pressure, and in which the female structured region is adapted so that a so-called female creepage line between the electrical contact and the outer shell female passing through a surface of the leakage duct included in the female dielectric block has a length greater than said predetermined dielectric breakdown distance.
- the male creepage line has a length greater than 1.2 cm and the female creepage line has a length greater than 1.2 cm, for a predetermined voltage of 7 kV.
- the number of openings and the size of the openings are adapted according to a volume of the leak conduit, so that it is possible to obtain a high vacuum in the leakage duct in a predetermined time.
- the male and female recess are in the form of a hollow cylinder.
- the device comprises a plurality of elementary connectors.
- said elementary connectors are arranged so as to form a line or a matrix.
- the device comprises a first elementary connector and a second elementary connector aligned in a direction y perpendicular to x, sharing the same leakage conduit, and in which a so-called male intercontact leakage line, between the electrical contact of the first elementary connector and the electrical contact of the second elementary connector, passing through a surface of the leakage conduit included in the male dielectric block, has a length greater than a predetermined dielectric breakdown distance, and associated with the predetermined voltage, at atmospheric pressure, and in wherein a so-called female intercontact creepage line between the electrical contact of the first elementary connector and the electrical contact of the second elementary connector passing through a surface of the leakage conduit included in the female dielectric block has a length greater than said predetermined breakdown distance.
- the invention relates to a high-voltage electrical connector 1 for the space domain comprising a male portion M and a female portion F intended to make an electrical contact CE.
- THE figure 1A , 1B And 1 C schematically illustrate a view in section along a plane (x, y) of, respectively, the male portion M, the female portion F and the connector 1 according to the invention, with the male portion M and the female portion F plugged in.
- the connector of the invention is ventilated and makes it possible to easily separate the male portion and the female portion.
- it is suitable for use at atmospheric pressure and under high vacuum, for a very long life (more than 15 years). However, it is not functional during depressurization, that is to say during high vacuum, starting from atmospheric pressure and before reaching high vacuum.
- the male portion M comprises a metallic male outer shell CM and the female portion F comprises a metallic female outer shell CF.
- These shells CM and CF are protective shells known to those skilled in the art.
- the male portion M further comprises a male dielectric block DM encapsulated by the male shell CM.
- the block DM is for example made of polyetheretherketone (also called PEEK) or else of any dielectric material known to those skilled in the art.
- the block DM further has a so-called male RSM structured region comprising a so-called male recess RM.
- the male portion M comprises a male part PM of the electrical contact CE, embedded at least partially in the dielectric block DM.
- the male part comprises a so-called male end EM which is arranged in the male recess RM.
- This male part PM is known to those skilled in the art and is suitable for connection to a high voltage power supply (not shown in the Figures 1A-1C ). In the invention, by convention, the male part extends along the direction x.
- Portion F also comprises a female dielectric block DF encapsulated by female shell CF and having a female structured region RSF comprising a female recess RF.
- This block DF is also an electrical insulator which will make it possible, via its cooperation with the block DM, to ensure correct electrical operation of the connector 1 at atmospheric pressure and under high vacuum.
- the portion F comprises a female part PF of the electrical contact CE, embedded at least partially in the female dielectric block DF and extending in the direction x .
- a so-called female end EF of the female part is placed in the female recess RF and the female end EF is adapted so that the male end EM can fit into the female end EF to create the CE electrical contact.
- the electrical contact CE is defined as the contact area between the male end EM and the female end EF. The principle of creating electrical contact from a male end EM and a female end EF, capable of being nested one inside the other, is well known to those skilled in the art.
- elementary connector CNE denotes an assembly formed by the male part PM, the female part PF, the male recess RM and the female recess RF.
- the outer male shell CM or female CF has at least one opening O passing through the shell and leading to the outside of the connector.
- These openings also called “vent holes”, make it possible to place the connector 1 under a high vacuum in order to achieve its electrical insulation.
- the shell CM comprises two openings O.
- the shell CM comprises a number of openings other than two.
- the male structured region RSM has a shape complementary to a shape of the female structured region RSF, so whether the male structured region is capable of being inserted into the female structured region or vice versa.
- the two structured regions are configured to, when inserted into one another, allow CE electrical contact and the creation of an AC leakage conduit between the female structured region and the male structured region.
- This duct allows the circulation of the air comprised between the female structured region and the male structured region up to the opening.
- the AC leakage duct constitutes the sole means of air circulation comprised between the female structured region and the male structured region as far as the outside of the connector.
- the interlocking of the male end EM and the female end EF, and the creation of the leakage duct AC is permitted both by the insertion of the RSM and RSF regions but also by the cooperation of the shells male CM and female CF. That is to say that the male shell CM and female CF each have a 3D structure allowing the creation of the duct AC, and avoiding for example that a projecting portion of the region RSF is in contact with the region RSM, this which would block the AC duct.
- the connector of the invention therefore has an ingenious structure which makes it possible to easily separate the male portion and the female portion and which is suitable for use at atmospheric pressure and under high vacuum for a very long life (greater than 15 years). It is therefore particularly suitable for the production of satellites comprising an active antenna comprising a very large number of TWTs.
- FIG. 1D is a general graphical representation of the Paschen curve in air, i.e. the curve which specifies the breakdown voltage in air for a voltage between two electrodes separated by a distance d and for a pressure p.
- This figure will make it possible to explain the operation of the connector in the atmospheric pressure regime (region R1), in the depressurization regime (region R2) and under high vacuum (region R3).
- the distance d corresponds to the smallest distance in the air between the electrical contact CE and the outer male shell CM or between the electrical contact CE and the outer female shell CF.
- FIG. 1D On the figure 1D , by way of non-limiting example, is represented a horizontal straight line which corresponds to a predetermined operating voltage of the connector equal to 7 kV.
- the curve of the figure 1D illustrates the fact that there necessarily exists a range of p ⁇ d values of approximately [2.5 Torr.cm ; 10 2 Torr.cm] (region R2) for which a breakdown in air is obtained, for an operating voltage of 7 kV.
- portion R1 of the figure 1D air is an insulator with a breakdown voltage higher than the predetermined operating voltage.
- This regime corresponds to the desired operation of the connector 1 at atmospheric pressure.
- the male structured region is adapted so that a so-called male leakage line LM between the electrical contact and the male outer shell, passing through a surface of the leakage duct included in the block male dielectric, has a length greater than a predetermined dielectric breakdown distance and associated with the predetermined operating voltage of the connector, at atmospheric pressure.
- This predetermined dielectric breakdown distance corresponds to the maximum distance between two electrodes, passing through the surface of an insulator for which the path takes place between the two electrodes, for a given voltage and a given pressure. This dielectric breakdown distance is determined by standard rules (see for example paragraph 5.1.10 of ECSS-E-HB-20-05A).
- the female structured region is adapted so that a so-called female creepage line LF between the electrical contact CE and the shell external female CF passing through a surface of the leakage duct AC included in the female dielectric block DF has a length greater than the predetermined dielectric breakdown distance.
- the male creepage line and the female creepage line have a length greater than 1.2 cm, for a predetermined voltage of 7 kV in order to avoid the appearance of the tracking phenomenon.
- the condition concerning the length of the lines LM and LF necessarily makes it possible to avoid the appearance of breakdown in the air at this pressure between the electrical contact CE and the outer male shell CM on the one hand and the shell external female CF on the other hand. Indeed, the breakdown in the air takes place for a voltage greater than the path (or a lower distance between two electrodes), so if the path is avoided, the breakdown in the air is avoided.
- the RSM male region and the RSF female region can have any shape without departing from the scope of the invention as long as the RSM male region is capable of being inserted into the RSF female region or vice versa, so to create the AC leakage duct.
- the male region RSM is structured so as to present slots in the plane (x,y) which are recessed relative to the rest of the dielectric block DM and the female region RSF is structured so as to present slots in the plane ( x,y ) which protrude from the rest of the dielectric block DF.
- the female region RSF is structured so as to present slots in the plane ( x, y ) which are recessed relative to the rest of the dielectric block DF and the male region RSM is structured so as to to present slots in the plane ( x, y ) which protrude with respect to the rest of the dielectric block DM.
- the female region RSF and the male region RSM have a structure in the plane ( x, y ) which has both recesses and projecting portions with respect to the rest of the dielectric block DF and DM respectively .
- the RSM and RSF regions are such that their section along the plane ( x, y ) presents structures which are not in the shape of rectangular or square slots but which are for example be in the shape of a triangle or any other known shape of skilled in the art, as long as the male region RSM is capable of being inserted into the female region RSF or vice versa, so as to create the leakage duct AC and allow electrical contact CE.
- the specific shape of the RF and RM reinforcements is not relevant to the invention as long as the male RSM region is able to fit into the female RSF region.
- the reinforcements RF and RM are in the form of a hollow cylinder with a square base, a circular base, or even a polygonal base.
- the male structured region RSM must not be in contact with the female structured region RSF failing to seal the leak conduit AC. This could prevent the high vacuum in connector 1 from being reached and/or could disrupt the protection of the connector against electrical breakdown.
- the number of openings and the size of the openings are adapted according to the volume of the leak conduit, so that it is possible to obtain a high vacuum in the leak conduit (or even a balance of pressures between the leakage duct and the outside of the connector) in a predetermined time.
- This predetermined time is defined by the user's specifications and by standards related to the field of use.
- the RSM region and the RSF region have a structuring making it possible to limit the peak effects linked to their volume.
- the RSM region and the RSF region are such that the edges of the leak channel are rounded.
- FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an enlargement of the CNE elementary connector of connector 1.
- the portion PAC of the AC leakage conduit is shown where the electrical contact CE is arranged.
- D the distance in a direction y perpendicular to x between the electrical contact CE and a surface of the portion of the leak duct PAC.
- the field lines LC associated with the electrical contact CE have been shown. These field lines of course depend on the geometry of the electrical contact and represent the direction of the vector reflecting the remote action undergone by an electrical charge. That is to say that an electron torn off at a given point of the contact CE will follow the direction of the field line LC associated with this point.
- the portion of the leak duct PAC extends in the direction x, as illustrated in the figure 2 , so that said portion is substantially perpendicular to the field lines LC associated with the contact CE which are in the direction y in the example of the figure 2 .
- This characteristic is particularly advantageous for making the connector 1 resistant to an accidental rise in pressure from the high vacuum.
- this arrangement of the conduit PAC makes it possible to artificially limit the mean free path of the electrons torn from the contact CE, thus preventing them from accelerating sufficiently between two collisions to ionize the gas and thus create a breakdown, because the electrons thus torn will be "stopped” by the dielectric walls of the PAC portion of the conduit.
- the key parameter controlling the mean free path of the stripped electrons is the distance D between two opposite surfaces of the leakage duct.
- D is the thickness of the leak duct formed by the RSM and RSF regions.
- the smaller D the more the dielectric walls of the leakage duct are likely to limit the acceleration of the torn electrons.
- a rise in pressure which would be likely to cause the connector of the R3 region of the figure 1D to the R2 region and causing a breakdown does not harm the electrical operation of the connector. It is understood that this is true only for a relatively low pressure rise and dependent on the predetermined operating voltage. Even more preferentially, it is desirable for the connector to operate correctly for a rise in pressure of up to 1 Pa.
- the distance D is chosen to be sufficiently small so that there is no electrical breakdown in air at a pressure of 1 Pa within the leak pipe.
- the connector of the invention comprises a plurality of elementary connectors CNE, for example arranged so as to form a line or a matrix. This maximizes the number of signals transmitted by connector 1.
- FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of the embodiment MP in which the connector 1 comprises a first elementary connector CNE1 and a second elementary connector CNE2 aligned in the y direction, sharing the same AC leakage conduit.
- the connector 1 comprises a first elementary connector CNE1 and a second elementary connector CNE2 aligned in the y direction, sharing the same AC leakage conduit.
- a so-called male intercontact creepage line LIM between the electrical contact CE1 of the first elementary connector CNE1 and the electrical contact CE2 of the second elementary connector CNE2, passing through a surface of the leakage duct included in the male dielectric block has a length greater than the predetermined dielectric breakdown distance.
- a so-called female intercontact creepage line between the electrical contact of the first elementary connector and the electrical contact of the second elementary connector passing through a surface of the leakage conduit included in the female dielectric block has a length greater than the dielectric breakdown distance predetermined.
- FIG 4 schematically illustrates the connector 1 according to one embodiment of the invention, with the male portion M and the female portion F plugged.
- the outer male shell CM comprises 2 openings O placed on each of the small side faces of the shell CM.
- the connector of the figure 4 is simple, compact and makes it easy to separate the male portion from the female portion.
- the connector 1 typically has a dimension of 85x16x55mm.
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- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
Abstract
Connecteur électrique (1) haute tension pour le domaine spatial comprenant une portion mâle (M) et une portion femelle (F) destinées à réaliser un contact électrique (CE) entre les portions, ladite portion mâle comprenant :
- une coque externe mâle métallique (CM);
- un bloc diélectrique mâle (DM) encapsulé par la coque mâle et présentant une région structurée mâle (RSM) comprenant un renfoncement dit mâle (RM) ;
la portion femelle (F) comprenant :
- une coque externe femelle métallique (CF)
- un bloc diélectrique femelle (DF) encapsulé par la coque femelle et présentant une région structurée femelle (RSF) comprenant un renfoncement femelle (RF);
la coque externe mâle ou femelle présentant au moins une ouverture (O), la région structurée mâle présentant une forme complémentaire à une forme de la région structurée femelle, de sorte que la région structurée mâle soit apte à s'insérer dans la région structurée femelle pour permettre le contact électrique et de manière à créer un conduit de fuite (AC) entre la région structurée femelle et la région structurée mâle permettant une circulation de l'air compris entre la région structurée femelle et la région structurée mâle jusqu'à ladite au moins une ouverture.
High voltage electrical connector (1) for the space domain comprising a male portion (M) and a female portion (F) intended to make an electrical contact (CE) between the portions, said male portion comprising:
- a metal male outer shell (CM);
- a male dielectric block (DM) encapsulated by the male shell and having a male structured region (RSM) comprising a so-called male recess (RM);
the female portion (F) comprising:
- a metallic female outer shell (CF)
- a female dielectric block (DF) encapsulated by the female shell and having a female structured region (RSF) comprising a female recess (RF);
the male or female outer shell having at least one opening (O), the male structured region having a shape complementary to a shape of the female structured region, such that the male structured region is capable of being inserted into the female structured region to allow electrical contact and so as to create a leakage duct (AC) between the female structured region and the male structured region allowing air to circulate between the female structured region and the male structured region as far as said au least one opening.
Description
La présente invention concerne le domaine des connecteurs électriques haute tension et plus particulièrement le domaine des connecteurs électriques haute tension pour le domaine spatial.The present invention relates to the field of high voltage electrical connectors and more particularly to the field of high voltage electrical connectors for the space field.
Dans le domaine du spatial, des connecteurs électriques haute tension sont connus de l'homme de l'art. Par « connecteurs électriques haute tension », on entend ici et dans la suite de la demande des connecteurs pouvant fonctionner à une tension supérieure à 5 kV. Il est connu de réaliser un connecteur haute tension via une connectique filaire directe comportant une brasure des fils dans les modules haute tension et un surmoulage de ce module afin de réaliser l'isolation électrique.In the field of space, high voltage electrical connectors are known to those skilled in the art. By "high voltage electrical connectors" is meant here and in the rest of the application connectors that can operate at a voltage greater than 5 kV. It is known to produce a high voltage connector via a direct wire connection comprising soldering of the wires in the high voltage modules and an overmolding of this module in order to produce the electrical insulation.
Cette technique d'interconnexion au moyen d'un isolant solide permet de rendre la liaison électrique robuste à toute la gamme de pressions de service allant de la pression atmosphérique jusqu'au vide profond lors de la mission en orbite.This technique of interconnection by means of a solid insulator makes it possible to make the electrical connection robust to the whole range of operating pressures ranging from atmospheric pressure to deep vacuum during the mission in orbit.
Malgré cette excellente fonctionnalité cette technique présente plusieurs inconvénients :
- Cette opération doit être effectuée par le fabricant de l'EPC ou du TWT et nécessite une validation par test.
- Elle n'est pas réversible facilement et nécessite un mode de fonctionnement dit de réparation et oblige de refaire des tests.
- Comme l'EPC et le(les) TWT sont des objets différents qui seront placés dans des zones thermiques différentes la manutention devient assez complexe et nécessite des moyens très spécifiques.
- This must be done by the EPC or TWT manufacturer and requires validation by testing.
- It is not easily reversible and requires a so-called repair mode of operation and requires redoing tests.
- As the EPC and the TWT(s) are different objects which will be placed in different thermal zones, handling becomes quite complex and requires very specific means.
Les nouveaux marchés demandent d'augmenter la compacité du satellite et cette technique d'interconnexion n'est donc pas ou très difficilement envisageable si on souhaite augmenter le nombre de TWT branchés sur un seul EPC.The new markets require increasing the compactness of the satellite and this interconnection technique is therefore not or very difficult possible if you want to increase the number of TWTs connected to a single EPC.
En effet la partie électronique pouvant être mutualisée afin d'alimenter plus de deux TWT, la solution actuelle est intrinsèquement limitée et pose de nombreux problèmes au niveau logistique et au niveau des moyens de production. L'alimentation de plus de deux TWT est particulièrement critique pour la réalisation de satellites comprenant une antenne active qui comportent avantageusement un très grand nombre de TWT créant ainsi une complexité importante de la connectique haute tension.As the electronic part can be pooled in order to supply more than two TWTs, the current solution is intrinsically limited and poses many problems in terms of logistics and means of production. The supply of more than two TWTs is particularly critical for the production of satellites comprising an active antenna which advantageously comprise a very large number of TWTs, thus creating significant complexity in the high voltage connections.
Dans le domaine de l'aéronautique, des connecteurs électriques haute tension sont connus de l'homme de l'art. Ces connecteurs sont conçus pour fonctionner sur une certaine gamme d'altitudes (du niveau de la mer à souvent 33000 pieds ou 10000m) c'est-à-dire pour une gamme de pression prédéterminée. Typiquement, les connecteurs de l'aéronautique sont rendus hermétiques, par exemple au moyen de joints autour du contact électrique, afin de conserver l'air emprisonné entre les contacts électriques à la pression atmosphérique.In the field of aeronautics, high voltage electrical connectors are known to those skilled in the art. These connectors are designed to operate over a certain range of altitudes (from sea level to often 33,000 feet or 10,000m) i.e. for a predetermined pressure range. Typically, aeronautical connectors are sealed, for example by means of gaskets around the electrical contact, in order to keep the air trapped between the electrical contacts at atmospheric pressure.
Cependant, ce type de connecteur n'est pas nécessairement conçu pour fonctionner pendant une très grande durée de vie (15 ans ou plus) comme cela est nécessaire dans le domaine du spatial. En effet, en aéronautique, ils seront soumis à un plan de maintenance entrainant son entretien ou son remplacement. L'utilisation d'un joint d'étanchéité pose beaucoup de questions sur le comportement du connecteur lors de son dégazage inévitable pendant une très longue durée d'utilisation. En effet, l'herméticité n'est pas parfaite et comporte nécessairement une micro fuite qui fera évoluer la pression interne du connecteur.However, this type of connector is not necessarily designed to operate for a very long life (15 years or more) as is necessary in the space sector. Indeed, in aeronautics, they will be subject to a maintenance plan leading to their upkeep or replacement. The use of a seal raises many questions about the behavior of the connector during its inevitable degassing during a very long period of use. Indeed, hermeticity is not perfect and necessarily includes a micro leak which will change the internal pressure of the connector.
L'invention vise à pallier certains problèmes de l'art antérieur. A cet effet, un objet de l'invention est un connecteur électrique haute tension pour le domaine spatial comprenant une portion mâle et une portion femelle destinées à réaliser un contact électrique. Le connecteur de l'invention est ventilé et présente l'avantage de permettre de facilement désolidariser la portion mâle et la portion femelle. Par « ventilé », on entend ici et dans la suite de la description que le connecteur est apte à être pompé de manière à atteindre un vide poussé (pression inférieure à 10-6 mbar) ou moins, particulièrement dans sa région de contact électrique.The invention aims to overcome certain problems of the prior art. To this end, an object of the invention is a high-voltage electrical connector for the space domain comprising a male portion and a female portion intended to make an electrical contact. The connector of the invention is ventilated and has the advantage of making it possible to easily separate the male portion and the female portion. By “ventilated”, it is meant here and in the rest of the description that the connector is capable of being pumped so as to reach a high vacuum (pressure less than 10 -6 mbar) or less, particularly in its electrical contact region.
A cet effet, un objet de l'invention est connecteur électrique haute tension pour le domaine spatial comprenant une portion mâle et une portion femelle destinées à réaliser un contact électrique entre les portions, ladite portion mâle comprenant :
- une coque externe mâle métallique ;
- un bloc diélectrique mâle encapsulé par la coque mâle et présentant une région structurée mâle comprenant un renfoncement dit mâle ;
- une partie mâle du contact électrique encastrée au moins partiellement dans le bloc diélectrique mâle, ladite partie mâle s'étendant selon une direction x, une extrémité dite mâle de ladite partie mâle étant disposée dans le renfoncement mâle,
- une coque externe femelle métallique
- un bloc diélectrique femelle encapsulé par la coque femelle et présentant une région structurée femelle comprenant un renfoncement femelle
- une partie femelle du contact électrique encastrée au moins partiellement dans le bloc diélectrique femelle, ladite partie femelle s'étendant selon la direction x, une extrémité dite femelle de ladite partie femelle étant disposée dans le renfoncement femelle, ladite extrémité femelle étant adaptée pour que ladite extrémité mâle puisse s'emboiter dans ladite extrémité femelle pour créer le contact électrique,
la coque externe mâle ou femelle présentant au moins une ouverture, la région structurée mâle présentant une forme complémentaire à une forme de la région structurée femelle, de sorte que la région structurée mâle soit apte à s'insérer dans la région structurée femelle ou inversement pour permettre le contact électrique et de manière à créer un conduit de fuite entre la région structurée femelle et la région structurée mâle permettant une circulation de l'air compris entre la région structurée femelle et la région structurée mâle jusqu'à ladite au moins une ouverture.To this end, an object of the invention is a high-voltage electrical connector for the space domain comprising a male portion and a female portion intended to make electrical contact between the portions, said male portion comprising:
- a metal male outer shell;
- a male dielectric block encapsulated by the male shell and having a male structured region comprising a so-called male recess;
- a male part of the electrical contact embedded at least partially in the male dielectric block, said male part extending in a direction x, a so-called male end of said male part being placed in the male recess,
- a metal female outer shell
- a female dielectric block encapsulated by the female shell and having a female structured region comprising a female recess
- a female part of the electrical contact embedded at least partially in the female dielectric block, said female part extending in the direction x, a so-called female end of said female part being placed in the female recess, said female end being adapted so that said male end can fit into said female end to create electrical contact,
the male or female outer shell having at least one opening, the male structured region having a shape complementary to a shape of the region female structured region, so that the male structured region is capable of being inserted into the female structured region or vice versa to allow electrical contact and so as to create a leakage conduit between the female structured region and the male structured region allowing circulation air between the female structured region and the male structured region as far as said at least one opening.
Selon un mode de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention, le conduit de fuite constitue l'unique moyen de circulation de l'air compris entre la région structurée femelle et la région structurée mâle jusqu'à l'extérieur dudit connecteur.According to one embodiment of the device of the invention, the leakage duct constitutes the sole means of air circulation between the female structured region and the male structured region as far as the outside of said connector.
Selon un mode de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention, une portion du conduit de fuite dans lequel est disposé le contact électrique, s'étend dans la direction x, de sorte que ladite portion soit sensiblement perpendiculaire à des lignes de champ associé audit contact électrique. De manière préférentielle, une épaisseur du conduit de fuite est suffisament petite pour qu'il n'existe pas de claquage électrique dans l'air à une pression de 1 Pa au sein du conduit de fuiteAccording to one embodiment of the device of the invention, a portion of the leakage duct in which the electrical contact is arranged, extends in the direction x, so that said portion is substantially perpendicular to the field lines associated with said contact electric. Preferably, a thickness of the leakage duct is sufficiently small so that there is no electrical breakdown in the air at a pressure of 1 Pa within the leakage duct
Selon un mode de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention, la région structurée mâle est adaptée pour qu'une ligne de fuite dite mâle entre le contact électrique et la coque externe male, passant par une surface du conduit de fuite comprise dans le bloc diélectrique mâle, présente une longueur supérieure à une distance de claquage diélectrique prédéterminée et associée à ladite tension prédéterminée, à pression atmosphérique, et dans lequel la région structurée femelle est adaptée pour qu'une ligne de fuite dite femelle entre le contact électrique et la coque externe femelle passant par une surface du conduit de fuite comprise dans le bloc diélectrique femelle présente une longueur supérieure à ladite distance de claquage diélectrique prédéterminée. De manière préférentielle, la ligne de fuite mâle présente une longueur supérieure à 1.2 cm et la ligne de fuite femelle présente une longueur supérieure à 1.2 cm, pour une tension prédéterminée de 7 kV.According to one embodiment of the device of the invention, the male structured region is adapted so that a so-called male creepage line between the electrical contact and the male outer shell, passing through a surface of the leakage duct included in the dielectric block male, has a length greater than a predetermined dielectric breakdown distance and associated with said predetermined voltage, at atmospheric pressure, and in which the female structured region is adapted so that a so-called female creepage line between the electrical contact and the outer shell female passing through a surface of the leakage duct included in the female dielectric block has a length greater than said predetermined dielectric breakdown distance. Preferably, the male creepage line has a length greater than 1.2 cm and the female creepage line has a length greater than 1.2 cm, for a predetermined voltage of 7 kV.
Selon un mode de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention, le nombre d'ouvertures et la dimension des ouvertures sont adaptés en fonction d'un volume du conduit de fuite, de sorte qu'il soit possible d'obtenir un vide poussé dans le conduit de fuite en un temps prédéterminée.According to one embodiment of the device of the invention, the number of openings and the size of the openings are adapted according to a volume of the leak conduit, so that it is possible to obtain a high vacuum in the leakage duct in a predetermined time.
Selon un mode de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention, le renfoncement mâle et femelle sont en forme de cylindre creux.According to one embodiment of the device of the invention, the male and female recess are in the form of a hollow cylinder.
Selon un mode de réalisation du dispositif de l'invention, le dispositif comprend une pluralité de connecteurs élémentaires. De manière préférentielle, lesdits connecteurs élémentaires sont disposés de manière à former une ligne ou une matrice. De manière encore préférentielle, le dispositif comprend un premier connecteur élémentaire et un deuxième connecteur élémentaire alignés selon une direction y perpendicuaire à x, partageant un même conduit de fuite, et dans lequel une ligne de fuite dite intercontact mâle, entre le contact électrique du premier connecteur élémentaire et le contact électrique du connecteur deuxième élémentaire, passant par une surface du conduit de fuite comprise dans le bloc diélectrique mâle présente une longueur supérieure à une distance de claquage diélectrique prédéterminée, et associée à la tension prédéterminée, à pression atmosphérique, et dans lequel une ligne de fuite dite intercontact femelle entre le contact électrique du premier connecteur élémentaire et le contact électrique du deuxième connecteur élémentaire passant par une surface du conduit de fuite comprise dans le bloc diélectrique femelle présente une longueur supérieure à ladite distance de claquage prédéterminée.According to one embodiment of the device of the invention, the device comprises a plurality of elementary connectors. Preferably, said elementary connectors are arranged so as to form a line or a matrix. Even more preferentially, the device comprises a first elementary connector and a second elementary connector aligned in a direction y perpendicular to x, sharing the same leakage conduit, and in which a so-called male intercontact leakage line, between the electrical contact of the first elementary connector and the electrical contact of the second elementary connector, passing through a surface of the leakage conduit included in the male dielectric block, has a length greater than a predetermined dielectric breakdown distance, and associated with the predetermined voltage, at atmospheric pressure, and in wherein a so-called female intercontact creepage line between the electrical contact of the first elementary connector and the electrical contact of the second elementary connector passing through a surface of the leakage conduit included in the female dielectric block has a length greater than said predetermined breakdown distance.
D'autres caractéristiques, détails et avantages de l'invention ressortiront à la lecture de la description faite en référence aux dessins annexés donnés à titre d'exemple et qui représentent, respectivement :
- [
Fig.1A ], [Fig.1B ] et [Fig.1C ], une vue schématique en coupe selon un plan (x, y) de, respectivement, la portion mâle, la portion femelle et le connecteur selon l'invention, - [
Fig.1D ], une représentation graphique de la courbe de Paschen dans l'air, - [
Fig.2 ], un agrandissement du connecteur élémentaire du connecteur selon l'invention, - [
Fig.3 ], un vue schématique du connecteur selon un mode de réalisation comprenant un premier connecteur élémentaire et un deuxième connecteur élémentaire alignés selon une direction y, et partageant un même conduit de fuite, - [
Fig.4 ], une vue schématique du connecteur selon un mode de réalisation.
- [
Fig.1A ], [Fig.1B ] And [Fig.1C ], a schematic sectional view along a plane (x, y) of, respectively, the male portion, the female portion and the connector according to the invention, - [
Fig.1D ], a graphical representation of the Paschen curve in air, - [
Fig.2 ], an enlargement of the elementary connector of the connector according to the invention, - [
Fig.3 ], a schematic view of the connector according to an embodiment comprising a first elementary connector and a second connector elementary aligned in a y direction, and sharing the same leakage duct, - [
Fig.4 ], a schematic view of the connector according to one embodiment.
Dans les figures, sauf contre-indication, les éléments ne sont pas à l'échelle.In the figures, unless otherwise indicated, the elements are not to scale.
L'invention porte sur connecteur électrique 1 haute tension pour le domaine spatial comprenant une portion mâle M et une portion femelle F destinées à réaliser un contact électrique CE. Les
Dans le connecteur de l'invention, la portion mâle M comprend une coque externe mâle métallique CM et la portion femelle F comprend une coque externe femelle métallique CF. Ces coques CM et CF sont des coques de protection connues de l'homme de l'art.In the connector of the invention, the male portion M comprises a metallic male outer shell CM and the female portion F comprises a metallic female outer shell CF. These shells CM and CF are protective shells known to those skilled in the art.
La portion mâle M comprend de plus un bloc diélectrique mâle DM encapsulé par la coque mâle CM. Le bloc DM est par exemple en Polyétheréthercétone (aussi appelé PEEK) ou encore en tout matériaux diélectriques connus de l'homme de l'art. Le bloc DM présente en outre une région structurée dite mâle RSM comprenant un renfoncement dit mâle RM.The male portion M further comprises a male dielectric block DM encapsulated by the male shell CM. The block DM is for example made of polyetheretherketone (also called PEEK) or else of any dielectric material known to those skilled in the art. The block DM further has a so-called male RSM structured region comprising a so-called male recess RM.
En outre, la portion mâle M comprend une partie mâle PM du contact électrique CE, encastrée au moins partiellement dans le bloc diélectrique DM. La partie mâle comprend une extrémité dite mâle EM qui est disposée dans le renfoncement mâle RM. Cette partie mâle PM est connue de l'homme de l'art et est adaptée pour être reliée à une alimentation haute tension (non représentée dans les
La portion F comprend elle aussi un bloc diélectrique femelle DF encapsulé par la coque femelle CF et présentant une région structurée femelle RSF comprenant un renfoncement femelle RF. Ce bloc DF est lui aussi un isolant électrique qui va permettre, via sa coopération avec le bloc DM, d'assurer un bon fonctionnement électrique du connecteur 1 à la pression atmosphérique et sous vide poussé.Portion F also comprises a female dielectric block DF encapsulated by female shell CF and having a female structured region RSF comprising a female recess RF. This block DF is also an electrical insulator which will make it possible, via its cooperation with the block DM, to ensure correct electrical operation of the
De plus, la portion F comprend une partie femelle PF du contact électrique CE, encastrée au moins partiellement dans le bloc diélectrique femelle DF et s'étendant selon la direction x. Afin de réaliser le contact électrique, une extrémité dite femelle EF de la partie femelle est disposée dans le renfoncement femelle RF et l'extrémité femelle EF est adaptée pour que l'extrémité mâle EM puisse s'emboiter dans l'extrémité femelle EF pour créer le contact électrique CE. Le contact électrique CE est défini comme la zone de contact entre l'extrémité mâle EM et l'extrémité femelle EF. Le principe de création de contact électrique à partir d'une extrémité mâle EM et d'une extrémité femelle EF, apte à être emboitées l'une dans l'autre, est bien connu de l'homme de l'art.In addition, the portion F comprises a female part PF of the electrical contact CE, embedded at least partially in the female dielectric block DF and extending in the direction x . In order to make the electrical contact, a so-called female end EF of the female part is placed in the female recess RF and the female end EF is adapted so that the male end EM can fit into the female end EF to create the CE electrical contact. The electrical contact CE is defined as the contact area between the male end EM and the female end EF. The principle of creating electrical contact from a male end EM and a female end EF, capable of being nested one inside the other, is well known to those skilled in the art.
On dénomme connecteur élémentaire CNE., un ensemble formé par la partie mâle PM, la partie femelle PF, le renfoncement mâle RM et le renfoncement femelle RF.The term elementary connector CNE. denotes an assembly formed by the male part PM, the female part PF, the male recess RM and the female recess RF.
De manière essentielle, dans le connecteur de l'invention, la coque externe mâle CM ou femelle CF présente au moins une ouverture O traversant la coque et débouchant sur l'extérieur du connecteur. Ces ouvertures, aussi appelées « trous d'évents », permettent de mettre sous vide poussé le connecteur 1 afin de réaliser son isolation électrique. A titre d'exemple illustratif, dans les
Enfin, dans le connecteur 1, la région structurée mâle RSM présente une forme complémentaire à une forme de la région structurée femelle RSF, de sorte que la région structurée mâle soit apte à s'insérer dans la région structurée femelle ou inversement. En outre, les deux régions structurées sont configurées pour, lorsque insérées l'une dans l'autre, permettre le contact électrique CE et la création un conduit de fuite AC entre la région structurée femelle et la région structurée mâle. Ce conduit permet la circulation de l'air compris entre la région structurée femelle et la région structurée mâle jusqu'à l'ouverture. Dans le connecteur, le conduit de fuite AC constitue l'unique moyen de circulation de l'air compris entre la région structurée femelle et la région structurée mâle jusqu'à l'extérieur du connecteur.Finally, in
Il est entendu que l'emboîtement de l'extrémité mâle EM et de l'extrémité femelle EF, et la création du conduit de fuite AC est permis à la fois par l'insertion des régions RSM et RSF mais aussi par la coopération des coques mâle CM et femelle CF. C'est-à-dire que la coque mâle CM et femelle CF présentent chacune une structure 3D autorisant la création du conduit AC, et évitant par exemple qu'une portion en saillie de la région RSF soit en contact avec la région RSM, ce qui boucherait le conduit AC.It is understood that the interlocking of the male end EM and the female end EF, and the creation of the leakage duct AC is permitted both by the insertion of the RSM and RSF regions but also by the cooperation of the shells male CM and female CF. That is to say that the male shell CM and female CF each have a 3D structure allowing the creation of the duct AC, and avoiding for example that a projecting portion of the region RSF is in contact with the region RSM, this which would block the AC duct.
Le conduit de fuite AC de l'invention présente plusieurs avantages :
- il permet d'atteindre le vide poussé dans le connecteur et plus précisément dans le conduit de fuite AC où est disposé le contact électrique. Cela garantie une isolation électrique du connecteur sous vide poussé. En effet, dans ce régime de pression, le libre parcours moyen des électrons potentiellement arrachés au contact électrique CE est trop grand : il n'y a plus assez d'atomes de gaz sur leur chemin pour déclencher, par collisions avec ceux-ci, l'effet d'avalanche qui transforme le gaz en plasma et qui induit le claquage électrique dans l'air.
- en régime de pression atmosphérique, il permet d'éviter un claquage diélectrique entre le contact électrique CE et la coque externe mâle CM passant à la surface du bloc diélectrique DM d'une part, et entre le contact électrique CE et la coque externe femelle CF passant à la surface du bloc diélectrique DF. Cela protège le connecteur à pression atmosphérique d'autre part. On appelle ici « claquage diélectrique », ou « cheminement », le processus qui produit une piste partiellement conductrice sur la surface d'un matériau isolant suite à des décharges électriques sur ou à proximité d'une surface d'isolation. De plus, le conduit AC permet d'éviter un claquage électrique dans l'air entre le contact électrique CE et la coque externe mâle CM et entre le contact électrique CE et la coque externe femelle CF. Ces caractéristiques seront détaillées plus loin.
- préférentiellement, il permet un fonctionnement électrique correct (c'est-à-dire sans création de claquage électrique dans l'air) du connecteur même lors une remontée en pression accidentelle jusqu'à 1 Pa. Cette condition dépend spécifiquement de la structure de la portion du conduit de fuite dans lequel est disposé le contact électrique (voir plus loin).
- it makes it possible to achieve a high vacuum in the connector and more precisely in the AC leakage duct where the electrical contact is located. This guarantees electrical insulation of the connector under high vacuum. Indeed, in this pressure regime, the mean free path of the electrons potentially torn from the electric contact CE is too large: there are no longer enough gas atoms on their way to trigger, by collisions with them, the avalanche effect which transforms the gas into plasma and which induces electrical breakdown in the air.
- under atmospheric pressure, it makes it possible to avoid a dielectric breakdown between the electrical contact CE and the external male shell CM passing to the surface of the dielectric block DM on the one hand, and between the electrical contact CE and the external female shell CF passing to the surface of the dielectric block DF. This protects the connector from atmospheric pressure on the other hand. We call here "dielectric breakdown", or "tracking", the process which produces a track partially conductive on the surface of an insulating material as a result of electrical discharges on or near an insulating surface. In addition, the conduit AC makes it possible to avoid electrical breakdown in the air between the electrical contact CE and the outer male shell CM and between the electrical contact CE and the female outer shell CF. These characteristics will be detailed later.
- preferentially, it allows correct electrical operation (that is to say without creation of electrical breakdown in the air) of the connector even during an accidental increase in pressure up to 1 Pa. This condition depends specifically on the structure of the portion of the leakage duct in which the electrical contact is located (see below).
Le connecteur de l'invention présente donc une structure ingénieuse qui permet de facilement désolidariser la portion mâle et la portion femelle et qui est apte à être utilisé à la pression atmosphérique et sous vide poussé pendant d'une très longue durée de vie (supérieure à 15 ans). Il est donc particulièrement adapté pour la réalisation de satellites comprenant une antenne active comportant un très grand nombre de TWT.The connector of the invention therefore has an ingenious structure which makes it possible to easily separate the male portion and the female portion and which is suitable for use at atmospheric pressure and under high vacuum for a very long life (greater than 15 years). It is therefore particularly suitable for the production of satellites comprising an active antenna comprising a very large number of TWTs.
La
Sur la
À droite et en dessous de la courbe de Paschen, (portion R1 de la
Pour cela, à pression atmosphérique, il est nécessaire d'éviter un cheminement entre la coque CM et le contact CE passant à la surface du bloc DM. Ainsi, selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la région structurée mâle est adaptée pour qu'une ligne de fuite dite mâle LM entre le contact électrique et la coque externe male, passant par une surface du conduit de fuite comprise dans le bloc diélectrique mâle, présente une longueur supérieure à une distance de claquage diélectrique prédéterminée et associée à la tension prédéterminée de fonctionnement du connecteur, à pression atmosphérique. Cette distance de claquage diélectrique prédéterminée correspond à la distance maximale entre deux électrodes, passant par la surface d'un isolant pour laquelle le cheminement à lieu entre les deux électrodes, pour une tension donnée et une pression donnée. Cette distance de claquage diélectrique est déterminée par des règles standard (voir par exemple paragraphe 5.1.10 de l'ECSS-E-HB-20-05A).For this, at atmospheric pressure, it is necessary to avoid a path between the shell CM and the contact CE passing on the surface of the block DM. Thus, according to one embodiment of the invention, the male structured region is adapted so that a so-called male leakage line LM between the electrical contact and the male outer shell, passing through a surface of the leakage duct included in the block male dielectric, has a length greater than a predetermined dielectric breakdown distance and associated with the predetermined operating voltage of the connector, at atmospheric pressure. This predetermined dielectric breakdown distance corresponds to the maximum distance between two electrodes, passing through the surface of an insulator for which the path takes place between the two electrodes, for a given voltage and a given pressure. This dielectric breakdown distance is determined by standard rules (see for example paragraph 5.1.10 of ECSS-E-HB-20-05A).
De même, afin d'éviter un cheminement entre la coque CF et le contact CE, passant à la surface du bloc DF, la région structurée femelle est adaptée pour qu'une ligne de fuite dite femelle LF entre le contact électrique CE et la coque externe femelle CF passant par une surface du conduit de fuite AC comprise dans le bloc diélectrique femelle DF présente une longueur supérieure à la distance de claquage diélectrique prédéterminée.Similarly, in order to avoid a path between the shell CF and the contact CE, passing on the surface of the block DF, the female structured region is adapted so that a so-called female creepage line LF between the electrical contact CE and the shell external female CF passing through a surface of the leakage duct AC included in the female dielectric block DF has a length greater than the predetermined dielectric breakdown distance.
De manière préférentielle, la ligne de fuite mâle et la ligne de fuite femelle présentent une longueur supérieure à 1.2 cm, pour une tension prédéterminée de 7 kV afin d'éviter l'apparition du phénomène de cheminement.Preferably, the male creepage line and the female creepage line have a length greater than 1.2 cm, for a predetermined voltage of 7 kV in order to avoid the appearance of the tracking phenomenon.
On note que la condition concernant la longueur des lignes LM et LF permet nécessairement d'éviter l'apparition de claquage dans l'air à cette pression entre le contact électrique CE et la coque externe mâle CM d'une part et la coque externe femelle CF d'autre part. En effet, le claquage dans l'air a lieu pour une tension supérieure au cheminement (ou une distance inférieure entre deux électrodes), donc si on évite le cheminement, on évite le claquage dans l'air.It is noted that the condition concerning the length of the lines LM and LF necessarily makes it possible to avoid the appearance of breakdown in the air at this pressure between the electrical contact CE and the outer male shell CM on the one hand and the shell external female CF on the other hand. Indeed, the breakdown in the air takes place for a voltage greater than the path (or a lower distance between two electrodes), so if the path is avoided, the breakdown in the air is avoided.
Lorsque la pression de l'air diminue, on intercepte la courbe de Paschen (portion R2 de la
Si la pression continue de descendre, on est alors en dessous et à gauche de la courbe de Paschen (portion R3 de la
Dans l'invention, la région mâle RSM et la région femelle RSF peuvent présenter n'importe quelle forme sans sortir du cadre de l'invention tant que la région mâle RSM soit apte s'insérer dans la région femelle RSF ou inversement, de manière à créer le conduit de fuite AC. Ainsi, selon le mode de réalisation illustré dans la
En outre, selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, différent de celui illustré en
De même, la forme spécifique des renforcements RF et RM n'est pas pertinente pour l'invention tant que la région mâle RSM est apte à s'insérer dans la région femelle RSF. A titre d'exemple non limitatif, les renforcements RF et RM sont en forme de cylindre creux à base carrée, à base circulaire, ou encore à base polygonale.Similarly, the specific shape of the RF and RM reinforcements is not relevant to the invention as long as the male RSM region is able to fit into the female RSF region. By way of nonlimiting example, the reinforcements RF and RM are in the form of a hollow cylinder with a square base, a circular base, or even a polygonal base.
Dans l'invention, il faut que la région structurée mâle RSM ne soit pas en contact avec la région structurée femelle RSF à défaut de sceller le conduit de fuite AC. Cela pourrait empêcher d'atteindre le vide poussé dans le connecteur 1 et/ou pourrait perturber la protection du connecteur contre le claquage électrique.In the invention, the male structured region RSM must not be in contact with the female structured region RSF failing to seal the leak conduit AC. This could prevent the high vacuum in
De manière préférentielle, le nombre d'ouvertures et la dimension des ouvertures sont adaptés en fonction du volume du conduit de fuite, de sorte qu'il soit possible d'obtenir un vide poussé dans le conduit de fuite (ou encore un équilibre des pressions entre le conduit de fuite et l'extérieur du connecteur) en un temps prédéterminée. Ce temps prédéterminé est défini par le cahier des charges de l'utilisateur et par des normes liées au domaine d'utilisation.Preferably, the number of openings and the size of the openings are adapted according to the volume of the leak conduit, so that it is possible to obtain a high vacuum in the leak conduit (or even a balance of pressures between the leakage duct and the outside of the connector) in a predetermined time. This predetermined time is defined by the user's specifications and by standards related to the field of use.
Préférentiellement, la région RSM et la région RSF présente une struturation permettant de limiter les effets de pointes liés à leur volume. Ainsi, préférentiellement, la région RSM et la région RSF sont tels que les arrêtes du canal de fuite sont arrondies.Preferably, the RSM region and the RSF region have a structuring making it possible to limit the peak effects linked to their volume. Thus, preferably, the RSM region and the RSF region are such that the edges of the leak channel are rounded.
La
Selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention, la portion du conduit de fuite PAC s'étend dans la direction x, comme cela est illustré dans la
Selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention noté MP, le connecteur de l'invention comprend une pluralité de connecteurs élémentaires CNE, par exemple disposés de manière à former une ligne ou une matrice. Cela permet de maximiser le nombre de signaux transmis par le connecteur 1.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention denoted MP, the connector of the invention comprises a plurality of elementary connectors CNE, for example arranged so as to form a line or a matrix. This maximizes the number of signals transmitted by
La
La
Claims (11)
la coque externe mâle ou femelle présentant au moins une ouverture (O), la région structurée mâle présentant une forme complémentaire à une forme de la région structurée femelle, de sorte que la région structurée mâle soit apte à s'insérer dans la région structurée femelle ou inversement pour permettre le contact électrique et de manière à créer un conduit de fuite (AC) entre la région structurée femelle et la région structurée mâle permettant une circulation de l'air compris entre la région structurée femelle et la région structurée mâle jusqu'à ladite au moins une ouverture.High voltage electrical connector (1) for the space domain comprising a male portion (M) and a female portion (F) intended to make an electrical contact (CE) between the portions, said male portion comprising:
the male or female outer shell having at least one opening (O), the male structured region having a shape complementary to a shape of the female structured region, such that the male structured region is capable of being inserted into the female structured region or vice versa to allow the electrical contact and so as to create a leakage duct (AC) between the female structured region and the male structured region allowing air to circulate between the female structured region and the male structured region as far as said at least one opening .
et dans lequel la région structurée femelle est adaptée pour qu'une ligne de fuite dite femelle (LF) entre le contact électrique et la coque externe femelle passant par une surface du conduit de fuite comprise dans le bloc diélectrique femelle présente une longueur supérieure à ladite distance de claquage diélectrique prédéterminée.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the male structured region is adapted so that a so-called male creepage line (LM) between the electrical contact and the male outer shell, passing through a surface of the leakage duct comprised in the male dielectric block has a length greater than a predetermined dielectric breakdown distance and associated with said predetermined voltage, at atmospheric pressure,
and in which the female structured region is adapted so that a so-called female creepage line (LF) between the electrical contact and the female outer shell passing through a surface of the leakage conduit included in the female dielectric block has a length greater than said predetermined dielectric breakdown distance.
et dans lequel une ligne de fuite dite intercontact femelle entre le contact électrique du premier connecteur élémentaire et le contact électrique du deuxième connecteur élémentaire passant par une surface du conduit de fuite comprise dans le bloc diélectrique femelle présente une longueur supérieure à ladite distance de claquage prédéterminée.Device according to the preceding claim, comprising a first elementary connector (CNE1) and a second elementary connector (CNE2) aligned in a direction y perpendicular to x, sharing the same leakage conduit, and in which a so-called male intercontact creepage line (LIM ), between the electrical contact (CE1) of the first elementary connector (CNE1) and the electrical contact (CE2) of the second elementary connector (CNE2), passing through a surface of the leakage duct included in the male dielectric block has a length greater than a predetermined dielectric breakdown distance, and associated with the predetermined voltage, at atmospheric pressure,
and in which a so-called female intercontact creepage line between the electrical contact of the first elementary connector and the electrical contact of the second elementary connector passing through a surface of the leakage conduit included in the female dielectric block has a length greater than said predetermined breakdown distance .
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP22305238.2A EP4239815A1 (en) | 2022-03-02 | 2022-03-02 | High-voltage electrical connector for the spatial domain |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4239816A1 true EP4239816A1 (en) | 2023-09-06 |
Family
ID=81940468
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP22305238.2A Withdrawn EP4239815A1 (en) | 2022-03-02 | 2022-03-02 | High-voltage electrical connector for the spatial domain |
EP23159325.2A Pending EP4239816A1 (en) | 2022-03-02 | 2023-03-01 | High-voltage electrical connector for space technology |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP22305238.2A Withdrawn EP4239815A1 (en) | 2022-03-02 | 2022-03-02 | High-voltage electrical connector for the spatial domain |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20230283009A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP4239815A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN116706625A (en) |
CA (1) | CA3191461A1 (en) |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130143430A1 (en) * | 2010-05-14 | 2013-06-06 | Edén Sorolla Rosario | Coaxial radiofrequency connector |
US20200353830A1 (en) * | 2019-05-07 | 2020-11-12 | Te Connectivity Germany Gmbh | Electrical Plug Connector And Electric Plug-In Connection |
-
2022
- 2022-03-02 EP EP22305238.2A patent/EP4239815A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2023
- 2023-03-01 EP EP23159325.2A patent/EP4239816A1/en active Pending
- 2023-03-01 US US18/116,222 patent/US20230283009A1/en active Pending
- 2023-03-01 CA CA3191461A patent/CA3191461A1/en active Pending
- 2023-03-02 CN CN202310216888.1A patent/CN116706625A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130143430A1 (en) * | 2010-05-14 | 2013-06-06 | Edén Sorolla Rosario | Coaxial radiofrequency connector |
US20200353830A1 (en) * | 2019-05-07 | 2020-11-12 | Te Connectivity Germany Gmbh | Electrical Plug Connector And Electric Plug-In Connection |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA3191461A1 (en) | 2023-09-02 |
CN116706625A (en) | 2023-09-05 |
EP4239815A1 (en) | 2023-09-06 |
US20230283009A1 (en) | 2023-09-07 |
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